Portable dry recreational slide

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/262,969, which was filed Oct. 24, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure relates to the field of dry recreational slides, and more particularly to portable dry recreational slides.

Recreational slides are longstanding popular attractions at playgrounds and for backyards. However, such slides typically are expensive, permanent structures that require steeply-sloped inclines in order for a user to slide thereon. Not only are such slide permanent installations, but because of the steep slope requirements it can be prohibitively expensive, and even dangerously high, to provide a slide with 10 or more feet of length. Bounce houses are portable inflatable structures that often incorporate slides. While technically portable, bounce houses typically are very heavy, requiring involvement by multiple adults in order to transport and set up the structure. Further, a source of electricity, when a plug-in outlet or a dedicated generator, is typically required. Like other dry slides, bounce houses also require steeply-sloped surfaces in order for users to readily slide with gravity, and thus must be very large in order to accommodate a slide of more than a few feet. Further, due to their size, bounces houses are only appropriate for placement only on certain types of terrain, such as relatively flat surfaces. Thus, bounce houses have important limitations in portability and location of use. Portable water slides made of elongated plastic sheeting flooded with water have proven popular and effective. However, in order for users to slide sufficiently upon the plastic sheeting, water and/or another medium (such as oils and soaps) must be used. Thus, portable water slides require access to a water source and/or other slide medium source, substantially limiting their portability. Also, user's must be willing to get wet in order to use the water slide, limiting their use to certain seasons and situations.

The present disclosure discloses aspects of a portable dry recreational slide that can be readily used in a broad range of locations, can be truly portable, in that some embodiments can be readily carried by a single person or even a child, and provides a sliding experience of ten feet or more without requiring application of water or any other slide medium.

The present disclosure presents aspects and embodiments of a portable dry recreational slide that can be stored and transported in a compacted configuration that is small and lightweight enough to be carried by a single person and even a child. The dry slide is easily converted from the compacted configuration to a deployed configuration in which it defines an elongated slide body that conforms to the shape of the underlying support surface, be it a flat, inclined and/or undulating outdoor grass or dirt surface or a hard or carpeted indoor surface, and includes a low-friction surface that enable riders to slide thereon without addition of added, temporary lubricants such as water, oil, soap or the like. Further, the dry slide can be compacted to a small volume, such as to fit within a 15″×5″ volume for a 3′×30′ sliding surface.

The slide body is made of a low-friction textile, most preferably a woven textile substrate such as a woven nylon, polyester or polyethylene with a low friction coating such as a silicone coating. The coating defines the sliding surface upon which riders may slide, and preferably has a coefficient of friction of about 0.25 or less. Most preferably the dry slide includes one or more vehicles which participants can use to distribute weight and/or which include low-friction surfaces so as to enhance the sliding experience. Vehicles can include, for example, plastic vehicles that can distribute the weight of a rider sitting or otherwise disposed thereon, and can also include a low-friction surface. Vehicles can also be made of the same or similar material as used to make the slide body. Such a textile vehicle can include a front pouch in which a rider can place their feet or which can receive a front end of a secondary vehicle, such as an inflatable vehicle, so as to take advantage of the weight-distribution and comfort of the secondary vehicle but also provide the low-friction surface of the textile vehicle.

The textile of which the slide body is made preferably is light and flexible so as to be easily reconfigured from the deployed configuration to the compacted configuration. Most preferably the textile is sufficiently light in weight so that it can be compacted, such as by being rolled up, into a size that is easily manageable, and is 10 pounds or less in weight, and even more preferably 5 pounds or less in weight for a dry slide of about 30 feet. Furthermore, in order to enhance portability, carrying straps can be integrated into the dry slide and/or a carrying bag such as a dedicated backpack can be provided so as to maintain the dry slide apparatus, including all or most components, together in one kit for easy storage and transportation.

In accordance with one embodiment the present specification provides a portable dry recreational slide apparatus, comprising a slide body that is changeable from a compacted configuration to a deployed configuration. The slide body is configured so that when it is in the deployed configuration it has a longitudinal axis and is elongated along the longitudinal axis from a start end to a finish end. The slide body comprises a flexible textile substrate comprising a woven fabric and a friction-reducing coating deposited on the textile substrate. The friction-reducing coating has a coefficient of friction less than a coefficient of friction of the textile substrate. A carrying structure is integrally formed with the slide body. The carrying structure is configurated to be accessible when the slide body is in the compacted configuration.

In some such embodiments, the slide body has a thickness less than about 0.2 mm and a density of about 150 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2 or less. In further variations, the slide body comprises a woven textile chosen from the group consisting of nylon, polyester and polyethylene. In still further variations, the friction-reducing coating comprises a silicone compound.

In some embodiments, the slide body has a length of at least 30 feet and a total weight less than 5 lb.

Some embodiments can be combined with a backpack defining a backpack space sized and configured to receive the slide body therewithin when the slide body is in the compacted configuration.

In further embodiments, a sliding surface is defined atop the friction-reducing coating, and the sliding surface has a dry coefficient of friction less than about 0.25. In further embodiments the sliding surface can have a dry coefficient of friction of about 0.21 or less.

Additional embodiments can also comprise a flexible woven textile substrate formed separately from the slide body and having a friction-reducing coating deposited on a bottom surface thereof so that the bottom surface has a dry coefficient of friction less than about 0.25. In some variations, the textile vehicle comprises a front pocket defining a front pocket space. Further variations can additionally comprise an elongated secondary vehicle having a front end configured to fit into the front pocket space of the textile vehicle and to at least partially support a rider thereon.

In yet additional embodiments, the slide body can comprise a plurality of spaced-apart anchor structures, and wherein adjacent ones of the anchor structures are configured to be attachable one to another so as to maintain the slide body in the compacted configuration.

In further embodiments, the slide body comprises a plurality of spaced-apart apertures disposed along an edge of the slide body, and the carrying structure comprises a carrying strap that is configured to fit through the spaced-apart apertures so as to maintain the slide body in the compacted configuration.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present specification discloses a portable dry recreational slide apparatus, comprising a slide body that is changeable from a compacted configuration to a deployed configuration. The slide body is configured so that when it is in the deployed configuration it has a longitudinal axis and is elongated along the longitudinal axis from a start end to a finish end. The slide body has a thickness less than about 0.2 mm and a density of about 150 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2 or less. The slide body further comprises a flexible textile substrate comprising a woven or non-woven fabric chosen from the group consisting of nylon, polyester and polyethylene, and a friction-reducing coating deposited on the textile substrate. The friction-reducing coating comprises a silicone compound and having a dry coefficient of friction less than a coefficient of friction of the textile substrate and less than about 0.25.

In accordance with another embodiment, the present specification provides a method of storing and transporting a portable dry recreational slide apparatus that has an elongated slide body made up of a flexible woven fabric substrate having a low-friction coating deposited thereon. The method comprises folding the slide body about a fold line generally parallel to its longitudinal axis and engaging a plurality of first anchoring structures spaced apart on a first edge of the slide body with a plurality of second anchoring structures spaced apart on a second edge of the slide body. The slide body can be rolled from a distal end to a proximal end. A strap structure integrated with the proximal end of the slide body can be used to secure the slide body in a fully-rolled compacted configuration. The compacted slide body can be supported using a carry portion of the strap structure.

In another variation, the slide body defines a sliding surface having a dry coefficient of friction less than about 0.25. In a further variation the slide body has a weight density between about 90-150 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2.

Yet another variation additionally comprises placing a textile vehicle comprising a flexible woven substrate having a low-friction coating deposited thereon onto the folded slide body and rolling the textile vehicle with the slide body.

A still further variation additionally comprises placing a flexible molded polymer-based vehicle onto the slide body and rolling the molded polymer-based vehicle with the slide body.

The present disclosure presents aspects and embodiments of a portable dry recreational slide that can be stored and transported in a compacted configuration that is small and lightweight enough to be carried by a single person or even a child. The dry slide is easily converted from the compacted configuration to a deployed configuration in which it defines an elongated slide body that conforms to the shape of the underlying support surface, be it a flat, inclined and/or undulating outdoor grass surface or a hard or carpeted indoor surface.

The slide body is made of a low-friction textile, most preferably a textile substrate such as a woven nylon, woven polyester or non-woven polyethylene with a low friction coating such as a silicone coating. The coating defines the sliding surface upon which riders may slide, and preferably has a coefficient of friction of about 0.25 or less. Most preferably the dry slide includes one or more vehicles which participants can use to distribute weight and/or which include low-friction surfaces so as to enhance the sliding experience. Vehicles can include, for example, plastic vehicles that can distribute the weight of a rider sitting or otherwise disposed thereon, and can also include a low-friction surface. Vehicles can also be made of the same or similar material as used to make the slide body. Such a textile vehicle can include a front pouch in which a rider can place their feet or which can receive a front end of a secondary vehicle, such as an inflatable vehicle, so as to take advantage of the weight-distribution and comfort of the secondary vehicle but also provide the low-friction surface of the textile vehicle.

The textile of which the slide body is made preferably is light and flexible so as to be easily reconfigured from the deployed configuration to the compacted configuration. Most preferably the textile is sufficiently light in weight so that it can be compacted, such as by being rolled up, into a size that is easily manageable, and is 10 pounds or less in weight. Furthermore, in order to enhance portability, carrying straps can be integrated into the dry slide and/or a carrying bag such as a dedicated backpack can be provided.

With initial reference to, an embodiment of a dry slideis depicted in a deployed configuration on an undulating hill. The dry slidecomprises an elongated slide bodythat extends from a start, or proximal, endto an exit, or distal, end. The slide bodydefines a sliding surfaceupon which a ridercan slide. Preferably, the sliding surfaceis about 2-6 feet wide, more preferably about 3-5 feet wide, and has a length of 10 to 30 feet or longer. Of course, it is to be understood that any number of configurations, such as multiple side-by-side tracks defined on the sliding surfaceto enable racing, can be used.

As shown in, the ridercan ride upon a vehicle. A plurality of anchoring structurescan be provided at or adjacent the proximal end, distal endand/or midway along the length of the slide body. The anchoring structurescan comprise a durable material such as a canvas or the like, and can include grommetsdefining an aperture or similar structure. Further anchoring structures, such as flat-top stakes, elongated straps, or the like, can be attached at the grommetsto maintain the position of the dry slideas desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring structuresextend outwardly in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the slide body, further than does an edge of the sliding surface. As such, anchoring structures are anticipated to not interfere with riders on the sliding surface. Of course, in additional embodiments anchoring structures can be inwardly of outer side edges of the sliding surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dry slideis deployed in an outdoors configuration, such as on a grassy hill, and stakeshelp secure the dry slidein place. In other situations, the dry slidemay be deployed indoors such as on a carpet or hard floor, in which deployment of stakesis not an option. In such a situation, elongated strapscan be extended through the grommetsand can attach to furnishings or other structure so as to help hold the dry slidein place. It is to be understood also that the dry slidecan be used without any anchoring structure.

Continuing with reference to, a proximal reinforcementcan be provided along the proximal endof the slide bodyand can comprise and support the anchoring structures. The proximal reinforcementcan help provide and maintain sturdy support to maintain the slide bodyin a desired position during use. In the illustrated embodiment, a carrying strapis attached or integrated into the proximal reinforcement. The illustrated carrying strapcomprises a loop large enough to fit over a user's shoulder to facilitate carrying of the dry slidewhen in a compacted configuration, as will be discussed in more detail below.

With reference next to, the slide bodycan be formed of multiple layers. In the illustrated embodiment, a substrate layeris a thin polymer-based layer that is flexible, durable and resistant to tearing. A low-friction coatingpreferably is applied to the substrate layer, and defines the sliding surface. Preferably, the low-friction coatinghas a static coefficient of friction less than about 0.30, more preferably less than about 0.25, and even more preferably about 0.21 or less. In the illustrated embodiment, a coatingis applied to both the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. Additional embodiments may coat only the top surface. And still further embodiments may apply a high-friction coating to the bottom surface of the substrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the substrate comprises a textile, such as a woven textile formed of nylon or polyester fully drawn yarnwoven in various weaves, such as an oxford weave. The nylon or polyester textile preferably is about 0.1 mm-0.2 mm in thickness, thus providing weight reduction and cost reduction while maintaining toughness, strength and performance. The coatingcan be applied to the woven textile, such as by an atomized spray, forming a low-friction layer. In a preferred embodiment, the coatingcomprises a silicone compound solution having a thickness of about 0.009-0.013 mm, and more preferably about 0.011 mm. In additional embodiments, the fully drawn yarnscan be coated with a low-friction silicone coating prior to being woven. Another suitable substratecan comprise a non-woven polyethylene blend of about 85% or more medium weight polyethylene (density of at least about 0.935 g/cm{circumflex over ( )}3) and a thickness of about 0.030-0.07 mm, also coated with a silicone. Most preferably, the slide bodymaterial has a weight of about 90-150 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2. As such, the total weight of a slide bodyabout 4 feet wide and 30 feet long can be expected to be less than about 2.5-5 lb.

It is to be understood that other materials may be available, or may become available, that may be operative but may have other negative aspects. For example, high-density polyethylene, PTFE (Teflon) and fluorinated polymers may exhibit low friction, but can be unsuitable due to excessive weight and/or high cost.

With reference next to, one embodiment of a ride vehiclecan comprise a molded polymer that is generally flat and comprises an upper surfaceupon which a rider can sit, kneel, lay or the like. A bottom surfacecan be coated with a low-friction coating. Even if not so coated, however, the molded polymer preferably is sufficiently stiff and thick to distribute a rider's weight so as to minimize the frictional drag as the riderslides along the sliding surface.

With reference next to, a textile vehiclecan comprise a bodyformed of a textile that is the same or similar to the slide body. As such, a bottom surfaceof the textile vehiclecomprises a low-friction coating. When a rider uses the textile vehicle, the low-friction bottom surfaceof the textile vehicleslides over the low-friction slide surface, providing enhanced sliding performance. In the illustrated embodiment, a front portion of the textile vehicle bodyis folded backwardly and sewn or otherwise attached to itself so as to form a front pocket. In use, a rider can place feet, hands, or the like within the front pocketduring sliding.

With additional reference to, another embodiment of a ride vehiclecan comprise an inflatable bodyhaving a front endand a back end. In some variations the inflatable bodycan have a low-friction coating, such as a silicone coating, applied to one or both of its bottom and top surfaces. In other variations, the inflatable bodymay not have any friction-reducing structure, but the front endcan be sized and configured to fit within the front pocketof the textile vehicle. Thus, the inflatable bodycan take advantage of the low-friction coatingof the textile vehicle, providing excellent sliding performance while also providing increased comfort (due to its inflated nature) and weight distribution for the rider. Preferably a length of the inflatable bodyis less than a length of the textile vehicle bodyso that the entire inflatable bodycan take advantage of the low-friction bottom surfaceof the textile vehicle.

It is to be understood that other types and sizes of ride vehicles can be employed. For example, foam bodyboards can be used on their own or in conjunction with a textile vehicle. Additional materials that are not necessarily dedicated for use with the dry-slidecan also be used. For example, a user may procure cardboard for use as a ride vehicle, either on its own or in conjunction with a textile vehicle. Some suitable ride vehicles may include boards having bottom surfaces made of high density plastics such as Surlyn® or high density polyethylene, stiff or flexible, can also be used with the dry slide. Further, riders can enhance their sliding experience by wearing low-friction clothing, such as clothing having components or portions made with nylon, spandex, polyester with or without fluorocarbon-based durable water repellent (DWR) or silicone coating. Such clothing can include, for example, shoes, socks, gloves, pants and knee pads.

Multiple dry slidescan be combined to form an extra-long dry slide. For example, the proximal endof a second dry slide can be positioned—and preferably anchored—just proximal of the distal endof a first dry slideso that the distal end of the first dry slideoverlaps on top of and over the proximal endof the second dry slide. As such, a rider sliding the length of the first dry slidewill be deposited onto the second dry slide, enabling continued sliding along the second dry slide. Such an arrangement preferably will cover the proximal reinforcementof the second dry slide underneath the first dry slide so that it will not affect the rider's progress.

With reference next to, when use of the dry slideis complete, the user can reconfigure it from its deployed configuration (as in) to a compacted configuration (such as in). In the illustrated embodiment, breakdown of the dry slidecan comprise folding the slide bodyalong its longitudinal axis so that opposing anchoring structureare aligned. As shown in, in some embodiments the grommetsor other portion of the anchoring structurescan comprise a fastener, such as a snapping fastener, so that the opposing anchoring structuresare held together, such as with an audible “snap”. In another variation, an elongated strapcan, instead, be advanced through aligned grommetsof the anchoring structures. Continuing with reference to, the folded slide bodycan then be rolled up, starting at the distal endand moving toward the proximal end. During the rolling process, further connection or engagement with other anchoring structurescan take place mid way through the rolling/compaction process. Eventually, when rolling is complete, the anchoring structurefrom the distal endcan be linked to the anchoring structurefrom the proximal end, such as through a “snap”-type fastener. In embodiments in which the anchoring structureextends outwardly from the sliding surface, the distal anchoring structureand other anchoring structures will be accessible for connection to the proximal anchoring structurenotwithstanding the slide bodybeing tightly rolled up.

shows an embodiment in which, after the slide bodyis rolled up, the carry strapcan be advanced through the grommetsof the anchoring structures. In this manner, the compacted dry slideis supported by the carrying strap, and thus the carrying strapsupports the compacted slide bodyat multiple locations along its length. Not only is the carrying strapcapable of enabling a user to easily carry the dry slide, but since the slide bodyis supported at multiple locations along its length, it is likely to retain its compacted structure and not partially or fully unwind while being carried.also show an optional secondary strapthat is configured to fit about a circumference of the rolled slide bodyand can be secured with a secondary strap buckle. Other circumferential securement structures, including structures that can be integrated with the carrying strap, can also be employed as desired.

With reference next to, in some embodiments, the vehicles,can be rolled up/compacted with the slide bodyso that the dry slide, including components, can be carried all at once. In embodiments in which a textile vehicleis provided, the textile vehicle bodywill easily fit within and be rolled up with the rest of the slide body. If an inflatable bodyis employed, it should first be uninflated. Preferably, the material that from which the inflatable bodyis made is flexible and easily included into the compacted dry slide. In embodiments in which the vehicleis a molded piece of plastic, preferably the plastic is selected, and a thickness of such plastic is selected, so that the vehicle can be elastically bent in a manner to accommodate compaction, such as being rolled up with the slide body. Otherwise, preferably the vehicleitself comprises an aperture through which the carrying strapcan be advanced so that the slide bodyand vehiclescan all be carried together. Additionally, a supplemental bag (not shown) can be supplied for items such as stakes, which bag can also be looped over the carrying strap.

With reference next to, in another embodiment a backpackcan have a backpack bodyto which a pair of shoulder strapsare attached. An openingcan be provided to enable access to a storage space defined within the backpack body. A compacted dry slidecan be advanced through the openinginto the backpack storage space and enclosed therewithin with a closure. A secondary pocketcan be provided for components such as stakes, and secondary connector(s), such as a snap-closing or Velcro-closing strapcan be provided to attach to other vehicles. As such, the entire dry slideand related components can be carried/transported/stored together.

In embodiments discussed above, compacting the dry slideto the compacted configuration has involved rolling up the slide from the distal endto the proximal end. It is to be understood that, in additional embodiments, such rolling can take place without first folding the slide bodyalong a longitudinally-extending fold line, or may include multiple such folds. Also, in some variations the slide bodycan be folded in multiple different directions rather than being rolled. In still further variations, the slide bodycan be stuffed into a bag such as the backpackwithout regard to rolling or folding, as with a sleeping bag.

In another embodiment, a slide bodycan be configured for use with another dry sliding structure such as, for example, a bounce house having a slide. A slide bodycomprising the materials discussed herein and having the low friction properties which can be selectively attached (such as via strapsextending through grommets) and detached from a slide surface of the bounce house, and particularly combined with a textile vehicle, can provide an improved and exciting sliding experience for the rider.

The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions.

Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.